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Kibbutz ASHDOT-YA'ACOV

PAST AND FUTURE

The Latvian and Russian pioneers settled at Kibbutz Gesher in 1924.

They were visionaries who wanted to create a free and egalitarian society in which everybody would work and contribute to the formation of the Jewish settlement in Palestine. The Jordan Valley of those times was very different from that of today: a dusty sun-blazed gorge. Barren land with no tree in sight, and only the Jordan river flowing below, painted the future with a ray of hope in the form of oleander and reed. After ten arduous years struggling to create a new society amidst scorching heat and disease, the settlers moved from the old Gesher to a new location, then known as Dalhamia.

In the 1940's Ashdot Ya'acov became one of the largest most prominent kibbutzes. Agriculture flourished and industry started to develop. Because of ideological differences there was a rift in the kibbutz movement in the 50's, and many kibbutzes split up into Ichud and Meuchad. This is how Ashdot-Ya'acov Meuchad was created. After the breakup there were less people in Ashdot and the kibbutz entered a financially difficult time )as did the rest of the country - this was the time of austerity(, but the community bonded and emerged from the crisis stronger yet. The battle fields of the 1968-1970 war of Attrition were right outside the kibbutz, so life had to be conducted in between sirens and prolonged stays in the shelters. Despite the hardships kibbutz members did not give up but continued to plow the fields and take care of the homes. The LOG plastic plant was established and to this day is Ashdot's main source of revenue.

Today's Ashdot is home to a fourth generation of kibbutzinks. The kibbutz moves ahead with the times and is adapting to the new reality of the global village. The new millennium at the kibbutz will probably begin very differently from the way the 20th century had commenced. Cherishing our heritage we look to the future with many highly qualified members who achieve personal and national accomplishments and continue to realize the founder's vision.

Our country lodging is a humble tribute to the first settlers at Ashdot Yaacov. Each room is named after one of the kibbutz's past and present industries, and decorated accordingly. We hope that this way you will enjoy not only leisurely vacation but also a historical insight.

How Country Lodging Came to Be

The site at which the country lodging apartments are located had a tortuous history. The houses were built some forty five years ago for the high school children, who naturally moved out of the common sleeping arrangement into the adult society. These houses were silent witnesses to first loves, glances of longing, children getting back from work or school and passionately arguing over leadership and committees, sitting together in the shelters when Katyusha rockets hit the area of the kibbutz.

When new residences were built for this age group, the volunteers moved in. These were young people from all over the world who wanted a taste of kibbutz life. Many of us remember volunteers who stayed a long time and had a significant input for kibbutz work and social life. Every Thanksgiving they stuffed a turkey, and their new year parties were always a blast. And, of course, there were love stories, too, and some volunteers even stayed on and made their homes here with us.

This era was over, too, and the houses were given to young kibbutzniks on a year off. The kibbutz started changing, the youner generation wanted to go places and see the world. In order to make it possible for them to return, the kibbutz allowed these young boys and girls to work for other kibbutzes and save money for their trips. The arrangement has been changed, and today the young kibbutzniks can work at and get a salary from Ashdot. During this time, however, they are not considered kibbutz members. This gives those young people an opportunity to try ways of life and decide where they want to settle down.